Sarnaik said several complaints had been received about individuals posing as intermediaries between companies and farmers, using intimidation and threats to influence land deals and deprive farmers of fair compensation
Pratap Sarnaik. Pic/X
Maharashtra Transport Minister and Dharashiv District Guardian Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday directed district authorities to take strict action against middlemen allegedly exploiting farmers during land acquisition for windmill projects in Dharashiv.
Sarnaik said several complaints had been received about individuals posing as intermediaries between companies and farmers, using intimidation and threats to influence land deals and deprive farmers of fair compensation.
“The government must ensure that farmers receive appropriate compensation for land acquired for windmill installations. Middlemen who intimidate or exploit farmers will not be tolerated,” he said during a review meeting held at Mantralaya. “Police should not wait for formal complaints — they must register cases suo motu against such elements and create a secure environment for farmers.”
The meeting was attended by Dharashiv District Collector Kirti Kumar Pujara, Superintendent of Police Shafkat Aamna, Additional Collector Jyoti Patil, Resident Deputy Collector Shobha Jadhav, and representatives from windmill companies and farmers’ groups.
While stressing the need to protect farmers' interests, Sarnaik also asked authorities to extend necessary cooperation to wind energy companies for project implementation.
“The wind energy sector can play a crucial role in Dharashiv’s development,” he noted. “We must support genuine investors while ensuring farmers are not exploited. The administration must remain alert and proactive.”
The minister underscored that the government would act as a mediator between farmers and companies to maintain transparency and ensure equitable compensation.
MSRTC earned Rs 301 crore during Diwali season, says Maharashtra Transport Minister
Earlier, Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik had announced that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) earned Rs 301 crore during the 10-day Diwali period this year.
The Pune division recorded the highest earnings, followed by Dhule and Nashik, marking a Rs 37-crore increase compared to last year’s festive season.
Between October 18 and October 27, the state-run transport body earned an average of Rs 30 crore per day, with revenue peaking at Rs 39.75 crore on October 27 — the highest single-day collection of 2025, as thousands of passengers returned to cities after the holidays.
Among the corporation’s 31 divisions, Pune topped with Rs 20.47 crore, followed by Dhule (Rs 15.60 crore) and Nashik (Rs 15.41 crore).
“Our dedicated ST staff worked tirelessly, staying away from their families during Diwali to ensure passengers reached their destinations safely. Their contribution made this success possible,” said Pratap Sarnaik, Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman.
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